It was supposed to be just another routine flight from Omaha to Detroit.
But what happened on board Delta Connection Flight 3612 quickly turned into a mid-air scare that left passengers rattled and forced an emergency landing in Iowa.
A Disturbance in the Skies
The trouble started on Thursday evening around 6pm when a man, later identified as 23-year-old Mario Nikprelaj, allegedly tried to open an emergency exit door while the plane was still in the air.
The flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines for Delta, had already covered about a third of the journey when the terrifying commotion began.
Crew and Passengers Step In
Thankfully, quick-thinking flight attendants and nearby passengers jumped into action.
According to reports, Nikprelaj got into a heated altercation with a crew member during his attempt to access the emergency door.
The pilot, in a chilling radio transmission to Eastern Iowa Airport, was heard saying, “A passenger is in a fight with our flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit.”
Emergency Landing in Cedar Rapids
With safety at risk, the pilot made the decision to divert the aircraft and land in Cedar Rapids.
Once the plane touched down, law enforcement officers boarded and escorted Nikprelaj off the flight.
Fellow passengers managed to capture footage of the dramatic moment, which later surfaced online.
Delta’s Response and Airline Policy
Following the incident, SkyWest released a firm statement: “SkyWest has zero tolerance for unruly behavior, as safety for our customers and crew is our top priority.”
The airline also confirmed that the flight resumed and completed its trip to Detroit at approximately 8:24pm after the situation was brought under control.
Arrest and Charges Filed
Nikprelaj was taken into custody and booked into the Linn County Correctional Center.
He now faces a series of charges including disorderly conduct, assault, possession of prescription drugs, harassment in the first degree, and violation of a tax stamp.
Authorities say additional charges may be added as the Cedar Rapids Police Department continues its investigation.
A Troubled Past Comes to Light
As more information about Nikprelaj emerged, it became clear this wasn’t his first run-in with the law.
In a bizarre incident several years ago, the Nebraska-based aspiring rapper was arrested in Michigan after stealing a snow plow—while barefoot and shirtless.
The Snow Plow Saga
According to reports, that earlier situation started with an argument between Nikprelaj and his girlfriend.
After things escalated, he exited her vehicle and took off in a running snow plow that happened to be nearby.
Unbeknownst to him, the vehicle was equipped with both a GPS tracker and interior video surveillance, making it easy for police to track him down.
More Legal Troubles in the Past
The snow plow’s owner quickly contacted authorities, and Nikprelaj was arrested.
At the time, he was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, domestic violence, and a probation violation.
Police even said he had fought with officers before that particular arrest.
Not the First Mid-Air Scare
This latest incident echoes a similarly unsettling situation from May, when a passenger on a China Eastern Airlines flight opened an emergency door to “get some fresh air” as the plane taxied on the runway.
That act triggered the emergency slide and caused massive disruption.
A Reminder of Aviation Safety Challenges
These incidents are sobering reminders of the unpredictable behavior airline crews sometimes face and the importance of strong safety protocols.
As the investigation continues, passengers can only be thankful that swift action from the Delta flight crew prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.
